I'm Stronger Than Ever: The Phoenix

As Can docked his boat, his eyes scanned the coast, this was always the most beautiful place he had ever seen. Wherever his travels had taken him, Istanbul was the place that stirred him. It fulfilled his need of home, his desire of calm, over shadowed the otherwise feeling of disconnect. That result of being alone, hadn't resolved the despair that caressed his heart, making him a shell of what he had been. Of all the places he had sailed in the past year trying to forget but enthralled more than ever in her memory, returning here, brought him the most peace.. How would he continue his life without her ?  He didn't think it possible.  So much was said, so much denial, so much hurt, all in the name of love. A love that still bloomed like a field of wild flowers in his soul, filling his heart with her smell.  Would he try and see her while he was here?  That's all he was thinking about, maybe just a glance, a look from far away. But a look wouldn't be good enough, he would have to touch her, feel her skin in his hand. Ah, Sanem, why had he walked away that night, he broke, every piece of his soul was shattered, he died....

Sanem assured  AzizBey it was fine for Can to come, she had been worried after he left, the not knowing was torturous. Nervously she excused herself, she thought it would be better if she wasn't standing there waiting for his arrival..she would give him a few  minutes, time enough for Deren or CeyCey one to deliver the news that he had came to her home. She didn't want him to feel like he was tricked. She hurried inside to the safety of her house, feeling anxious and with the thought of hiding. But what good would that do, she thought, the possibility of  seeing him had already peaked her curiosity and lit that fire of desire. She was thrown back to a year earlier, standing in the hospital, with a fear that gripped her and was holding on tight. She knew he hadn't intentionally tried to harm Yigit, but she was scared. This man in front of her was not her Can, and she wondered where had that man gone.  This  person was jealous and had refused to trust her. Her mind couldn't think straight, she said things that should have never been said, and then she let him walk away.........just walk away.  She had forgiven herself for that, she knew she had tried to make it right, but Can once again had made that decision for her by turning off his phone and disappearing.

Can was confused, wondering why his Dad was here, as he made his way along the path to the address his dad had texted. His dad never ceased to amaze him, in everything he did.  This place is fantastic,  he thought, as he wound his way along the trail to the farm.  There were several houses he could see, all nestled together inside the rock fence along the road. What a beautiful farm, he could see olive trees and all the gardens, the exotic flowers and the aroma was spectacular.  He knew whoever lived here must have had a wonderful connection with nature. He could hear people talking so he headed in that direction, still not seeing anyone.  As he got closer to the sounds, he recognized his fathers voice, that voice he had missed so much. He didn't really know how much he had missed him until then. Then the other voice, he recognized it, was it CeyCey. As he got closer he called out to his Dad,  " Dad where are you."  Then he saw him, he looked fit and in good health, smiling as always. He threw his arms in the air and met his son with an embrace that he had been looking forward to for so long.  

Aziz showed no shame in his emotions , he hadn't touched his eldest son in almost two years.  They had a bond that was special, they took care of each  other after Huma left taking Emre and  abandoning Can.  It took a toll on Aziz, and it damaged the young Can more than anyone knew.  They hugged, patting each other on the back for a good while, not sure if either of them wanted to let go. Can looked over his dads shoulder to see  Deren and CeyCey standing there watching as the two welcomed each other, with tears in their eyes. He walked around his dad to Deren first, he kissed both cheeks, along with an embrace. Then CeyCey, his friend that had come to mean more to him than he ever expected. His loyalty to Can was unprecedented, he loved him like a brother. Can gave him a big bear hug, with that feeling of love you would have for a family member. After a minute Can finally asked " Dad, what is this place, is it your place?  It's beautiful, by the way. "  His dad laughed, "No son, it's not my home, we are guests of Sanem Aydin."  He said, watching his sons face, seeing it change from jubilant to distraught in a heartbeat and a bleakness filled his eyes. Can was frozen, almost unable to speak, "Dad I can't stay here, I have to go, why did you bring me here, " He asked in desperation. " She doesn't want me here. " He looked at CeyCey with a look of betrayal, searching him for an explanation.  All he could think of was the quickest way out and back to his boat, to run away as he had done before. He wouldn't be able to look in her face, see the hurt that he had brought  to her, the tears in her eyes. It was simply too much.   

Aziz was held on to his arm begging, " Son please, stay, it's ok. It's all ok."  Can was struggling with his dad, trying to break free from his grasp when he felt her there, her smell had embraced him, wrapping him with her presence and making his heart stand still.  He stopped, he didn't want to turn around knowing she was there. His heart couldn't take the disappointment that  she would have on her face. 

" Can, welcome to my home, I'm so glad to see you."  She said softly. He was frozen, her voice sounded so warm and familiar, but yet different. He slowly turned, her face was so close it made him weak. Then she smiled slightly, it was a smile of confidence. Her eyes welcomed him as she held out her hand, the gesture shocked him a bit but he reached for her hand in return.  Her skin felt like velvet in his hand and it sent a chill through his body. As she felt his hand with hers, she looked into his eyes, making their touch even more intense.  They stared at each other for a moment unsure of what to say. She knew she was glad to see him, just that relief of knowing he was ok was overwhelming. He was there, she was touching him..........

His mind flashed through to the times in his life he had been happy...                                         

And this had to be the best.................